Never Say "Never"

NEVER SAY “NEVER”
Acts 7:54-8:1
Acts 8:1: “And Saul was there, giving approval to his [Stephen’s] death.”

“Is there anyone in your household who belongs to the sect, “the Way?” Saul demanded.

“The Way?” a man asked. “I don’t know anyone who follows the Way. Leave me alone!”

“Do you know anyone who does?” Saul challenged.

“Why are you looking for people who follow the Way?”

“I’m searching for people who associate themselves with that counterfeit (KOWN-ter-fit, meaning fake, imitation) religion, and will drag him or her to prison!” (Acts 8:3). Saul bragged, his head high.

“Aren’t you the Jewish Pharisee named Saul?”

“Yes. So what?”

“I’m laughing Saul, because before this week is out, you will follow the Way!” (Acts 24:14).

“Never!” Saul screeched.

On his way to Damascus, Saul was overcome by a blinding light pouring out from the heavens. Dazed and on the ground, he heard a voice.

“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

Who are You, Lord?” Saul asked.

“I am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting. Now get up and go to the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (Acts 9:3-7).

“What’s wrong, Saul? You look like you just saw a ghost!” Saul’s companions asked.

“You didn’t see that blazing light? You didn’t hear His voice?” Saul looked at them, blinking. “I can’t see a thing! Help me walk, please.”

“We did hear a voice, but we didn’t see anyone. And now we’re supposed to believe that you’re blind?”

“Fools! That was Jesus—straight out of heaven!” Saul insisted.

“We thought you Jews put Jesus to death—on a cross” they accused.

“Yes, we did! There was a rumor that He rose from the dead, hung around for awhile, then ascended to heaven. Of course, who would believe that?” Saul scratched his balding head… “Well, I’ll be. It’s true! Jesus IS alive!”

“What now, Saul?”

“I’m supposed to go into Damascus, and find out there what I’m supposed to do…but somehow, I think my life just changed—forever.

Take Home Nugget

First Saul was passionate about destroying whoever followed Jesus. When it comes to God’s work—even in the most difficult people—we should never say,“never.” Before Saul’s eyesight was restored, he’d become passionate about preaching Jesus, as God’s Son, raised from the dead, and ascended to Heaven (Acts 13:16-43). It was in Antioch where the disciples were first called “Christians” (Acts 11:26).

It may have taken a life-changing event for Saul to get the saving grace of Jesus Christ, what will it take for you?

Who can put God in a box, sure of what’s possible?
When it comes to changing lives, God amazes us with the impossible!

Dedicated to beloved daughter, Myah Griffith, on her 33rd birthday.

J.D. Griffith

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